Home Office

Missing Persons

Lord Morrow: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the letter from Karen Bradley MP to Lord Morrow on 21 February 2014 (CTS Ref MS16/14), what assessment they have made of the actions taken by police after the victim of Keith and Caroline Baker was reported missing from her home in England in 2004.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Department does not hold any information on this case.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many EU nationals in the United Kingdom have obtained the right to permanent residency; and how many applications for permanent residency are pending.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: EU nationals who have lived continuously and lawfully in the UK for at least 5 years automatically acquire a permanent right to reside under EU law. They can if they wish apply for documentation to confirm this right but there is no obligation nor requirement to do so. Statistics on grants of Documents Certifying Permanent Residence issued to EEA nationals are published quarterly in table ee_02_q of Immigration Statistics, which has been attached to this response.



EEA Statistics
(Excel SpreadSheet, 911.63 KB)

Refugees: Children

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to publish responses to the reports by (1) Help Refugees, Life for the Children of the Calais Jungle Post Eviction–An Uncertain Future, published on 15 December, and (2) the Oasis Foundation, A Moral Imperative: The UK's Response to Unaccompanied Child Refugees.

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many of the 10,000 missing unaccompanied child refugees in Europe, as estimated by Europol in January, have since been identified; and what assessment they have made of the extent to which those identified were then given appropriate care.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government values the work of NGOs and the volunteers, who have played a crucial role in Calais supporting children. The primary responsibility for unaccompanied children in Europe lies with the State in which they are present. There are no easy answers but our humanitarian and resettlement efforts will continue, as will our work with European and international partners to reach a political resolution so that those who have been displaced by conflict can eventually return to their homes and livelihoods in peace. The Government has established a £10 million Refugee Children Fund for Europe to support the needs of vulnerable refugee and migrant children arriving in Europe. The UK is the largest bilateral contributor to the humanitarian response to the crisis in Europe and the Balkans with a total allocation of £70 million.

Refugees: Children

Lord Beecham: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many registered child refugees in France have been refused admission into the United Kingdom; and how many of those have been provided with written explanations for the decision.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The UK has been working closely with the French authorities to transfer eligible children to the UK under the Dublin Regulation and section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016.Since 10 October, we have transferred over 750 asylum seeking children from France. All unaccompanied asylum seeking children with close family in the UK will continue to be considered for transfer under the criteria set out in the Dublin Regulation, and the Government has committed to further transfers under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016.We have been working closely with the French Government to communicate with the children. All remaining children should claim asylum in France.

Asylum: Children

Lord Smith of Hindhead: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many unaccompanied children under 16 years of age have been granted asylum in the UK in the past (1) six months, and (2) 12 months.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office publishes the number of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children granted asylum in each quarter, by age at initial decision, in table as_09q in volume 3 of the Immigration Statistics asylum data tables. These have been published online on the government website and attached to this answer.



Table as_09q from Volume 3 Immigration Statistics 
(Excel SpreadSheet, 4.05 MB)

Immigrants: Detainees

Lord Smith of Hindhead: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many children under 16 years of age are currently being held in detention centres; and, of those, how many have been detained for periods of (1) less than six months, (2) six to 12 months, and (3) more than 12 months.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The United Kingdom ended the routine detention of children under the age of 18 years in immigration removal centres in 2010. However, unaccompanied children under the age of 18 may still be detained in limited, very exceptional circumstances, including at the border pending collection by parents or other relatives, or by local authority Children’s Services. Under paragraph 18B of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971 an unaccompanied child detained for the purpose of removal may not be detained for more than 24 hours and may not be held in an immigration removal centre.Published Home Office data, including age, on individuals entering, leaving or in detention, solely under Immigration Act powers, at immigration removal centres, short-term holding facilities and pre-departure accommodation can be found in the table attached.The most recent published statistics (Table Dt 13 q) shows that, as at the end of quarter 2 of 2016, there were no children in immigration detention.



Detention Statistics
(Excel SpreadSheet, 3.92 MB)

Asylum: Detainees

Lord Smith of Hindhead: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many unaccompanied child asylum seekers under 16 years of age are currently being held in detention centres; and, of those, how many have been detained for periods of (1) less than six months, (2) six to 12 months, and (3) more than 12 months.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The United Kingdom ended the routine detention of children under the age of 18 years in immigration removal centres in 2010. However, unaccompanied children under the age of 18 may still be detained in limited, very exceptional circumstances, including at the border pending collection by parents or other relatives, or by local authority Children’s Services. Under paragraph 18B of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971 an unaccompanied child detained for the purpose of removal may not be detained for more than 24 hours and may not be held in an immigration removal centre.Published Home Office data, including age, on individuals entering, leaving or in detention, solely under Immigration Act powers, at immigration removal centres, short-term holding facilities and pre-departure accommodation can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/546763/detention-q2-2016-tabs.ods . The most recent published statistics (Table Dt 13 q) shows that, as at the end of quarter 2 of 2016, there were no children in immigration detention.

Refugees: Children

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many children had been brought to the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 by 20 December.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has transferred more than 750 children to the UK in support of the French operation to clear the Calais camp under both the family reunification provisions of the Dublin Regulation and the terms of section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016.More eligible children will be transferred from Europe, in line with the terms of the Immigration Act, in the coming months and we will continue to meet our obligations under the Dublin Regulation.

Refugees: Children

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 is still available to unaccompanied children in Europe who meet the defined criteria, on which guidance was published on 8 November.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has transferred more than 750 children to the UK in support of the French operation to clear the Calais camp under both the family reunification provisions of the Dublin Regulation and the terms of section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016.More eligible children will be transferred from Europe, in line with the terms of the Immigration Act, in the coming months and we will continue to meet our obligations under the Dublin Regulation.

Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

Baroness Whitaker: To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 review will be published on the Home Office website.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government has commenced the formal review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 as required by section 18 of that Act. We will publish the findings of the review when completed during 2017.

Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

Baroness Whitaker: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will extend the deadline for their consultation on the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 so that small dealers, including those from the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities, can contribute.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We have asked for written evidence to inform the review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 to be submitted by 30 January 2017.We will, however, consider any reasonable request to submit evidence beyond this date, to ensure that we hear from as wide a range of interested parties as possible, including small dealers such as those from Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities.

Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

Baroness Whitaker: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will ensure that oral consultation will be made available to scrap metal dealers from the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities during the consultation on the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government is in contact with representatives of the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities to enable them to present their evidence relating to the review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 orally.

Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

Baroness Whitaker: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the adverse impact of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, and in particular its licensing requirements and fees, on dealers from the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The formal review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 will provide the Government with the opportunity to assess issues relating to scrap metal dealer licences, including the impact of the licensing requirements on scrap metal dealers, including those from the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities.

Sexual Offences: Northern Ireland

Lord Morrow: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 6 December (HL3671) concerning the actions taken by police after the victim of Keith and Caroline Baker was reported missing from her home in England in 2004, why no assessment has been made; and whether they now intend to review the actions taken by police.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: This is an operational matter for the police and it would not be appropriate for the Department to undertake a review of police actions in this case.

Refugees: Greece

Baroness Cox: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that non-Muslim civilians who have been forced to flee from Greek refugee camps are eligible to apply for refugee status in the UK.

Baroness Cox: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Greece on preventing radicalised refugees from entering the UK.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: There is no provision in the Immigration Rules for people to travel to the UK to claim asylum and we have no plans to change that. An individual should apply for protection from the authorities in the first available safe country or through the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).We work closely with European Union Member States to share best practice on preventing individuals from becoming radicalised and to share information relating to people of interest for law enforcement, immigration and border control purposes.Individuals granted refugee status in another Member State are subject to the same visa requirements to enter the UK as other third country nationals. Any person arriving at the UK border is subject to stringent security checks and we will deny entry to individuals who present a risk to national security.

Department for Education

Pupils: Personal Records

Lord Storey: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what personal pupil data the Department for Education shares with the Home Office, and for what purpose.

Lord Nash: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 06 January 2017.The correct answer should have been:

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Home Office and the Department for Education outlines the purpose and the personal pupil data shared. The Memorandum of Understanding has been deposited is available in the house library.

Lord Nash: The Memorandum of Understanding between the Home Office and the Department for Education outlines the purpose and the personal pupil data shared. The Memorandum of Understanding has been deposited is available in the house library.

Schools: Vocational Guidance

Lord Watson of Invergowrie: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many (1) maintained schools, (2) academies, and (3) free schools, invited outside organisations to provide careers guidance and advice to their pupils in the academic years (a) 2013–14, (b) 2014–15, and (c) 2015–16.

Lord Nash: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 09 January 2017.The correct answer should have been:

The Government does not collect data on the number of schools that invite outside organisations to provide careers advice and guidance to pupils. Schools have a duty to secure independent careers guidance on the full range of education and training options, including apprenticeships and other technical education options. Sources of independent careers guidance can include, but not be limited to, external organisations such as education and training providers, employers and careersprofessionals. providers. The Government’s statutory guidance on careers is clear that schools should give other providers who wish to do so the opportunity to engage with pupils, on school premises, to inform them directly about what they offer. These could include further education and sixth form colleges, studio schools, university technical colleges and employers and other providers delivering apprenticeships. The Government has established The Careers & Enterprise Company to increase the level of employer input into schools. The Company’s Enterprise Adviser Network is now live in over 1,300 of the secondary schools and colleges across the country, connecting young people with local employers to provide experiences of the workplace. Careers organisations provide another external source of advice and guidance. The statutory guidance encourages schools to consult a register of accredited careers organisations when securing access to face-to-face careers guidance.

Lord Nash: The Government does not collect data on the number of schools that invite outside organisations to provide careers advice and guidance to pupils. Schools have a duty to secure independent careers guidance on the full range of education and training options, including apprenticeships and other technical education options. Sources of independent careers guidance can include, but not be limited to, external organisations such as education and training providers, employers and careersprofessionals. providers. The Government’s statutory guidance on careers is clear that schools should give other providers who wish to do so the opportunity to engage with pupils, on school premises, to inform them directly about what they offer. These could include further education and sixth form colleges, studio schools, university technical colleges and employers and other providers delivering apprenticeships. The Government has established The Careers & Enterprise Company to increase the level of employer input into schools. The Company’s Enterprise Adviser Network is now live in over 1,300 of the secondary schools and colleges across the country, connecting young people with local employers to provide experiences of the workplace. Careers organisations provide another external source of advice and guidance. The statutory guidance encourages schools to consult a register of accredited careers organisations when securing access to face-to-face careers guidance.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Greece: Migrant Camps

Baroness Cox: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Greece regarding the harassment and persecution of non-Muslims in refugee camps and the provision of appropriate protection.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The UK makes regular representations to the Greek Government and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the need for all individuals in refugee camps to be treated in line with internationally recognised humanitarian standards. The UK has committed up to £34 million to help address the migration crisis through the UNHCR, Non-Governmental Organisations, the Red Cross and the International Organisation for Migration. The Secretary of State for International Development, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Witham (Priti Patel) recently announced a new £8 million Women and Girls Protection Fund to protect women, girls and other vulnerable groups in the Mediterranean region, including Greece.

Greece: Migrant Camps

Baroness Cox: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Greece regarding the prevention of radicalisation of unaccompanied minors in refugee camps.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: ​We have a regular dialogue with the Greek Government on counter-terrorism matters, including the risks of radicalisation in Greece.In addition, we are working with the Greek authorities to identify unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who may be eligible for the transfer of their claim to the UK where they have close family here, and are working with Greece to identify unaccompanied refugee children in line with the Dubs amendment. As part of its humanitarian programming, the Department for International Development has set up the Refugee Children's Fund for Europe (RCFE). The RCFE is a £10 million one-year programme to provide shelter and protection services to children, especially unaccompanied ones, in Greece and the Balkans.